Justin Reid upgraded in Thursday’s Saints injury report

Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

By Ross Jackson

METAIRIE, La. – The New Orleans Saints defense has been surging and now the unit could be about to get one of its core starters back. Saints safety Justin Reid has been upgraded for the first time since leaving the game against the Miami Dolphins with a knee injury.

It’s still not set in stone that he will return this weekend against the Carolina Panthers. But seeing him get more involved and participate for the first time since the injury is an important piece of progress for the team.

Here is the information from the Thursday injury report:

New Orleans Saints

Did Not Participate

RB Alvin Kamara (knee/ankle)
T Asim Richards (ankle)
DT Davon Godchaux (NIR-rest)

Limited Participation

RB Devin Neal (abdomen)
T Taliese Fuaga (ankle)
S Justin Reid (knee)

Full Participation

DE Chris Rumph II (wrist)

Along with Reid’s upgrade, Rumph was elevated to full participation. He has been a key part of the Saints’ edge defender rotation and one of the bright spots on the team all season. Rumph, who has navigated more than his fair share of adversity throughout his career, is a constant energizing force on both defense and special teams. Being able to keep him in the mix will continue to be valuable for New Orleans.

Fuaga continued to participate in practice as well after returning on Wednesday. With Richards continuing to be out, and likely to miss at least the Week 15 game, having its starting right tackle back in the lineup will be ideal for New Orleans.

Carolina Panthers

Full Participation

LB Claudin Cherelus (concussion)
CB Jaycee Horn (concussion)
C Cade Mays (ankle)
S Lathan Ransom (thumb)
LB Christian Rozeboom (hip/hamstring)

Now that the Panthers’ work day went from a Wednesday walkthrough to more involved on-field work on Thursday, both Cherelus and Horn have advanced through concussion protocol.

Horn had a tough game against New Orleans the last time the teams met in Week 10. He slipped and fell in coverage twice, resulting in a pair of touchdown completions by rookie quarterback Tyler Shough. He took full responsibility for the plays and is now looking for an opportunity to bounce back against the Saints.